Respiratory Therapist in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Washington
To become a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in Washington, individuals must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy educational program and pass both the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination administered by the NBRC. Applicants must also complete 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. The application fee is $140, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours of health equity training. Washington has also enacted a national compact licensure, effective July 27, 2025, which will facilitate practice across state lines for RTs licensed in participating states.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC RRT exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination) |
| Application Fee | $140 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must complete 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training. A fingerprint-based background check is required. Beginning January 1, 2024, two hours of health equity training are required each renewal cycle. A minimum of 10 CE hours must be AARC-approved. Washington has signed a national compact licensure, effective July 27, 2025, which will allow RTs to practice across state lines with other participating states. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Washington
The median respiratory therapist salary in Washington is $97,150 per year, which is 20.8% above the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $76,320 |
| 25th | $81,470 |
| 50th (median) | $97,150 |
| 75th | $105,540 |
| 90th (experienced) | $121,280 |
Washington employs approximately 1,850 respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Respiratory Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.19/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist in Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.